Sunday, July 24, 2011

Two better than estimated runs, exactly as estimated (i.e., slooow) bike ride. A shockingly hot morning - my car thermometer said 86F at 6 a.m. on the way to the start. A very well organized, low key, enjoyable event put on by Fleet Feet Tulsa. Third place in the old man's age group to show for it:

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

My German friend Peter Bartel, who as he did for Trans Europe and Baltic Run is kickbiking across the United States. Peter was extremely pleased to see two friendly faces in the middle of nowhere, just east of the New Mexico state line. He is tired, and finding the weather and conditions very difficult - but he is nearly halfway across this huge country. Viel Glück, Peter!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Finally I can keep up with Rainer for 10K! This was taken by his Korean crew person June, somewhere in western Oklahoma, towards the New Mexico stateline. Rainer is German - a former winner of Trans Gaule and Trans Europe, an awesome athlete and a fine young man. He is leading LA-NY 2011 comfortably, and in his usual unassuming, understated, modest style. Go, Rainer!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

James finishes 55-mile stage 28 in Guymon after over 13 hours in temperatures which rose by mid-afternoon well above 100F. We really enjoyed keeping him company for some of those miles. His girlfriend Gemma arrived today - it was great to have her join the party!

Rainer Koch from Germany, winner of Trans Europe 2009, is coasting along comfortably in first place after 26 brutally hot days. It was great running with him for a few miles, and seeing his Korean crew person June again.

Seven other runners (two Japanese, two Italian, two French and one Brit) are still in the race and battling along well. Today we helped our Dutch friends Jenni and Anneke to survive 100F temps, and met fellow countryman James for the first time. Our other German friend Peter Bartel is doing very well on his scooter. All are doing very well despite horrendous daily mileages and weather to match.

Now we're back at our finish line motel in Boise City. The Four Seasons it ain't. And not much like a stage finish at the Tour de France. But the air conditioning works, and here that's what matters most. Our friends have several more hours on the road today, which I don't envy them, but at least they will all have a cool place to rest up before another 55 miles of "fun in the sun" tomorrow.

Saturday, July 02, 2011

A brilliantly organized event - 5 loops of 10.3 miles along the Arkansas River starting at midnight. Heat took its toll on me especially after the sun rose, but I was pleased to beat my 10 hour goal by 25 minutes. Claire had to settle for 3 loops, as her Achilles started to bother her, and we can't risk a tear less than 3 months before Ireland.